'In response to this act of aggression, Iran is exercising its inherent and legitimate right to self-defence,' says Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi

Iran has told the United Nations that it will continue to exercise its right to self-defence following airstrikes by the United States and Israel.

In a letter obtained by Anadolu, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi addressed UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the president of the Security Council, and said: "Iran will continue to exercise its right of self-defence decisively and without hesitation until the aggression ceases fully and unequivocally."

Noting that the attacks by the US and Israel are a violation of the UN Charter, he said the attacks "amount to an open armed aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran."

"In responding to this act of aggression, the Islamic Republic of Iran is exercising its inherent and lawful right of self-defence under Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations," he added.

Araghchi further pledged to "utilize all necessary defensive capabilities and means to confront this criminal aggression and deter the hostile acts."

"Accordingly, all bases, facilities, and assets of the hostile forces in the region shall be regarded as legitimate military objectives within the framework of Iran's lawful exercise of self-defence," he said.

Demanding that the US and Israel should "bear full and direct responsibility for all ensuing consequences, including any escalation arising from their unlawful actions," he called on the UN "to take immediate action in response to this breach of international peace and security."

The UN also confirmed to Anadolu that it received the letter and referred to the UN chief's upcoming speech at the Security Council's emergency session for comment.

On Saturday morning, the US and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran, claiming it was meant to remove “threats” posed by the Iranian “regime.”

Separate video statements were released by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump, which also hinted at supporting efforts for a change in government in Tehran.

Iran termed the strikes a violation of sovereignty, vowed to respond and launched retaliatory strikes. By Merve Gül Aydoğan Ağlarc, Anadolu Agency